Reviews of Fanjove Lodge

"Unique, glorious, beautiful, peaceful, spectacular, run out of superlatives here too!

Met at Songo Songo air strip by a couple of the Fanjove staff who took as to the car for a short drive to the boat. Transfer from Songo Songo by boat was enjoyable if a little bumpy. We were offered water and snacks. On arrival at Fanjove we were greeted by staff singing and dancing a welcome for us on the beach - Lovely!!

We jumped off the boat into the shallow water and walked up on to the beach and the bar. Our bags were whisked away again to our villa on the island. We were given a briefing and then shown to our villa.

Spectacular !! overlooking the beach/sea the accommodation was amazing. TWO showers on just outside and one next it "inside" in case it rained. The attention to detail of the layout, decor, service was all top drawer.

There were only a couple of other couples on the island so it was very quiet, and actually made us feel like we pretty much had it to ourselves. We could see that even if the island "filled up" there's plenty of room in the bar, restaurant, beach, etc etc.... It cant get busy with the number of villas they currently have.

Although expected little to do but flake out on this island paradise, there were a number of activities available to us and we did do snorkeling, dolphin watching, the dhow at sunset, the lighthouse at sunset, and kayaking. All highly recommended!!!!

Food was excellent, although there was a recurring menu, we were able to tailor it to our needs. The staff WILL DO everything they can to meet your needs.

The service was second to none.

We had more singing and dancing for Jane's birthday.. imagine dinner on the beach and the staff come out all guns a blazing with a cake! Fantastic!!!" See all these reviews: 12n in Tanzania

"Fanjove felt like an island paradise in every respect.

We arrived at Songo Songo air strip from Dar es Salaam and were collected by Alex, the activities manager. Following a short boat ride to the island, we were greeted by 15 staff members all dancing and singing. We were told we were the only guests on the island which was unbelievable.

Our room (No 1) was beautiful and had an incredible view across the sea, right next to the shore. The food was superb and Chef Edmund uses lots of seafood and fresh veg and fruit in his excellent dishes. We enjoyed a nice selection of wines and cocktails. During our trip, we were able to watch some of the staff carefully moving a turtle egg next to safety higher up the beach.

We also enjoyed the sunset dhow, dolphin watching, snorkelling and our first dive down to 12m. We had never scuba dived before and Hakim was an excellent tutor in introducing us and making us comfortable. It was a great experience.

We also had plenty of time to unwind and live the relaxed island vibes following 8 days of back to back safari - a very welcome change of pace!

Francesca and Alex and the whole team could not have been more friendly or welcoming, and it was a wrench to leave! We would return at the drop of a hat." See all these reviews: 15n in Tanzania

"Fanjove is like a dream. It is all about the beaches, the crystal-clear water and the remoteness. We shared this perfect getaway with only 6 more guests, which we only saw for lunch or before dinner, and the many different species of seabirds.

For those who like to do activities, there is plenty to do like, for example stand up paddling, snorkelling, kayaking, the dolphin safari, island walk,.... Abdalla is doing a great job helping guests with the activities and equipment. Snorkelling was really nice with plenty to see (octopus, rays, frog fish, scorpion fish, moray eels, lion fish, lobster and many more).

All staff were really attentive and focused on the small details, for example, it was so nice being served a glass of fresh water and cold towels on the beach when stepping out of the water after snorkeling; or being served dinner at the lighthouse on one occasion.

We particularly loved the sunset dhow cruise, which was organised for us (even though the dhow boat was generally not available).

Another highlight was definitely waking up to the sound of the waves and looking out to the sea from bed while enjoying fresh coffee that had been discretely served through a flap on one side of the banda (especially designed for this purpose).

And, of course, the food: Isa, the chef is an artist and it is no surprise that we were told that many guests have already offered him jobs all over the world ;-) We would have never expected this level of 5star cuisine in such a remote place...

Last but not least, we felt so lucky to see those bottle nose dolphins on our last morning after having been searching for them on two days without success. It was great to see them jump and play. Thank you to Abdalla for not giving up and keeping looking for them!" See all these reviews: 14n in Tanzania

"Wow! What an island and what a team!
Whilst we were unlucky with the weather (suffering strong winds for our entire stay on the island - so strong that minor damage was done to most bandas and sand got everywhere) we had an amazing time. It was disappointing that we couldn't go out to look for whales and dolphins (which had been seen regularly beforehand) but the weather was what it was and it made this impossible. Instead I was taken night snorkelling by Laura and another guest and this was absolutely wonderful! Never had I expected to see so much exotic night life and it is a memory I will treasure forever - yet another highlight of a wonderful trip!
The accommodation and setting within the island was just so perfect. Even the food, which had been excellent wherever we went, seemed to set new highs. To have such exquisite three course lunches and suppers which left you feeling replete but not stuffed was a delight - as was the dreaded weigh in on our return home which showed we had both lost a couple of pounds in spite of eating wonderfully well all holiday!!" See all these reviews: 14n in Tanzania

"We got back from Fanjove last night with one word in our heads: exquisite.

From the greeting at Songosongo, the staff greeting ( terrific Laura and Johan and a great team) we felt the privilege of feeling such as on a private beach of our own. We got the rest, the pleasure and good food we were looking for.

Our only wish would have been that of a non smoking environment.. our laws in Canada include such a fact in the quality of life. The true meaning of preservation of nature and health.
But... a wonderful holiday one this is said.

Thank you for your continuous and gracious support. The people of Fanjove have high regards for Expert Africa and the quality of clientele you send....

We are going back to Canada after three wonderful weeks in Tanzania.

Many thanks to you and your team!

Louise & Marcel" See all these reviews: 3n in Tanzania

"Fanjove island was the perfect start to our holiday, a bit of an effort getting there but for the peace and tranquility well worth it.

We had 4 nights here so we could chill out after a long journey from the UK before our safari in the Selous. The island is very small and I think only accommodates about 12 guests. There are no bells and whistles here so if you want 24hr room service, good WIFI etc this is not for you, however you shouldn't really want for anything and the Staff here are lovely.

If you like fish everyday you're in for a treat but if you like the odd morsel of meat make sure you let them know at the beginning of your stay.

Our 4 nights here was for us the right length of time but I'm sure if you like the isolation and pure relaxation you could stay much longer." See all these reviews: 18n in Tanzania

"This really is an amazing place to spend some time.

Our hosts Johan and Laura ran a very efficient operation and they and all the staff made every effort to make us feel welcome and special. They were never too busy to chat, and we learnt an enormous amount from their detailed knowledge of the island and the habitat.

The strong winds and spring tides made adventures on the sea - including the passages to and from the island - interesting! - not for the faint hearted. We really enjoyed the innovative menus at all meals - particularly the varying types of fish - and our New Year's Even BBQ was memorable for all the right reasons - particularly Hakim's antics!!

We would love to go back again!" See all these reviews: 11n in Tanzania

"We very much liked the bandas, the beach, the restaurant, the bar, the setting near the lighthouse, simply wonderful! We hope they continue their efforts to keep Fanjove environmental friendly.

There are two things we strongly recommend to change: The food: It was o.k. when we were there, but when we were back in Zanzibar we realized that the cuisine on Fanjove was boring: no spices, no Swahili dishes...

And the mattress is too hard, it's like sleeping on the floor..." See all these reviews: 4n in Tanzania